Lee Cook, a Leith City Councilman, who moved his own family out of the town for safety reasons weeks ago, told the Bismarck Tribune: "Hell, that's what we've been through. Everybody's been terrorised."

Cobb and Dutton are each charged with seven counts of terrorising the people of Leith. Five of those charges involve guns. They could face minimum sentences of two years in jail for each charge. The two men appeared in court and were held without bail.

Hate signs on Craig Cobb's property in the city limits of Leith, North Dakota (COURTESY BROKEN ARROW PRODUCTIONS)

In a text message to the Bismarck Tribune before he was arrested, Cobb said: "Because of the many violence and harassments against we and the children, we have commenced armed patrols of Leith."

Grant County State's Attorney Todd Schwarz said: "Residents have told me they'd feel a great deal of fear if he and Dutton are in Leith. They've dealt with rhetoric, insults and outright threats."

The town of Leith has a population of 19, including one black resident, Bobby Harper, who has refused to leave despite Cobb's threats.